Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United suffer Ousmane Dembele blow as player opts for contract extension at Barcelona
According to transfer news on Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Ousmane Dembele is willing to commit to a contract extension at Barcelona amid interest from Manchester United.
The 24-year-old star has not had a great time at the Nou Camp since signing for them in 2017. Several injuries have disallowed the winger from playing consistently and showcasing some of the form that made him famous in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.
However, after being in and out of the team in a heavily inconsistent Barcelona side, the attacker finally nailed down a spot last season as he made 30 appearances across all competitions and scored 11 goals– his best return in the famous blue jersey.
But it looked like the French international’s time in Catalonia was coming to an end as he entered the final year of his contract this summer, and is yet to sign an extension. He has now informed his agents that he is willing to stay at the club.
In fact, Barcelona are also confident of the player signing a new deal this month despite some concern earlier. However, this is bad news for Man United as they were plotting a move for the former Dortmund man.
The Red Devils are set to lose Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani at the end of this season unless they renew their contracts. Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo shall also turn 37 next year.
More Manchester United News
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Hence, bringing in a pacy winger with loads of attacking talent like Dembele would have boded well for the Old Trafford outfit. Moreover, the proposition of landing him on a free transfer was a huge bonus.
Regardless, the 24-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, and if the La Liga outfit cannot convince him to do so by the end of this year, United could jump in and get the player to agree a pre-contract in January and subsequently bringing him in next summer.
